As I feel myself falling, I cradle my belly with my hands, instinctively moving to protect my unborn child. I twist my body in the air to land on my bottom, protecting my stomach.
Lilia looks at me with wild, wide eyes. “Why are you holding your belly like that? Like you’re.. pregnant?!”
Cara
The instant Lilia says the word “pregnant, I know that my escape plan is in danger. That my baby might be in danger.
I pretend I didn’t hear her words and rush out of the office. I have to see Ruby.
I need to know my baby is okay after Lilia tripped me and I fell need to see an obstetrician.
Also, I’m deeply, incredibly shaken up and upset. I need to see my best friend.
I arrive at the hospital quickly and explain to Ruby what happened.
“I should be charging you extra for all these frequent hospital vis” Ruby jokes. She’s trying to make me feel better, to take my mind off the hurt of Lilia’s insulting words.
I smile, but I’m sure it doesn’t reach my eyes. I feel so exhausted
“You look terrible. Sweetheart.” Ruby says.
This gets a good belly laugh out of me. “Thanks, Honey. I knew could count on you to cheer me up!” I say sarcastically.
“Do you think she’s going to tell Alaric? About the pregnancy?” Ruby asks sincerely.
I’m not sure. I only put a hand over belly, it’s not like she has any real proof..” I mull over the idea in my mind. “But she can do a lot of damage with simple suspicions, trust me.”
“Oh, I believe you. She seems like a real-
“Bitch!” Lucy finishes for her in my mind. I don’t hear what Ruby says over Lucy’s words, but I can tell by the look on her face that the sentiment is the same.
“How much longer are you going to keep letting them hurt you like this?” Ruby’s staring at me with concern, her big eyes boring into mine.
“I–I don’t know… Alaric promised he would let me go after the wedding is over tomorrow, but I have to stay for the whole
ceremony.”
Ruby snorts and rolls her eyes, “Yeah, and he probably wants you to make the bed he’s going to fuck Lilia on, too!”
I shrug. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t be surprised at this point if he asked me to do just that. It’s a sign of how bad things have gotten.
“I have an idea!” Ruby says suddenly. “I’ll cover for you–I’ll say you’re sick or something–and you leave tomorrow morning before the wedding starts.”
It’s not a bad idea…
And it would save me the agony of wondering whether Lilia would say anything to anyone else about the baby….
Before I can talk myself out of it, I muster up all the determination I can manage and reply. “Okay, I’ll do it.”
Ruby smiles at me, and we plan the details for my great escape.
It’ll all be okay, now, I just need to follow the plan. I’m feeling better than I have in a very long time when I exit Ruby’s office.
That is until I look at the man standing right outside the door, arm raised and about to knock on the door I just opened.
14
Wed Jan
Chapter 20
I don’t even need to make his face. I recognize that distinct scen
Richard.
“Cara. I was just coming to ask Ruby for your number.” He says when he sees me, but he seems a bit hesitant to meet my
“And why would you want an unwelcome gold digging interloper’s phone number?” I ask, repeating the same words he said. to me in this very hospital not long ago.
Surprisingly, Richard actually looks guilty. “I’m sorry about that And I’m sorry for-”
“For giving me anti–fertility powder?” I finish for him. I’m not absolutely certain it was him who put the powder on my hands when I ask the question, but the solemn look on his face tells me my guess was correct.
“Yes. I am truly, very sorry, Cara. I am… mistaken… and I hope you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me. His eyes are watery, like he’s feeling quite distraught over the whole thing.
“It’s fine.”
I say quickly. I’m not sure I actually forgive him, but I have to get out of here fast before my plan to secretly leave the pack falls apart.
“Um… Goodbye.” I call over my shoulder as I start to away.
“Wait! I have just one more thing” Richard asks, lightly touching my arm to spin me around.
I raise an eyebrow at him.
“This is going to sound well, it’s going to sound very strange. But please, I urge you, it’s very, very important.”
I tap my toe, my eyes darting around the hospital hallway for sign of anyone who might tell Alaric they’ve seen me here.
“Could you… would you be so kind… as to give me a few strands of your hair?”
He’s dead serious.
“What?” I ask
It certainly is a very strange request. What could he want with my hair!
But I realize I’m wasting precious time by considering my response, so I reach up and tug three or four hairs from the top of my head and give them to him.
